The Count of Monte Cristo · Chapter
The House at Auteuil explained
Monte Cristo insists on visiting a house at Auteuil with his steward Bertuccio, who becomes increasingly agitated.
What happens
Monte Cristo insists on visiting a house at Auteuil with his steward Bertuccio, who becomes increasingly agitated. The house once belonged to the Marquis de Saint-Méran and is the site of a past crime committed by Bertuccio. Under pressure from Monte Cristo, Bertuccio reveals that the house is where he carried out an act of vengeance against M. de Villefort, a magistrate he accuses of being a villain. The chapter ends with Bertuccio's terror as he recognizes the garden and staircase from his past deed.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
Bertuccio's confession reveals his act of vengeance against Villefort, framing revenge as a personal and moral imperative.
Betrayal and Deception
Villefort is described as a magistrate with a spotless reputation who is secretly a villain, highlighting themes of hypocrisy and hidden betrayal.
Fate and Providence
Bertuccio sees the coincidence of Monte Cristo buying the very house where he committed his crime as fatality or Providence, suggesting a guiding force.
Characters to notice
- Edmond Dantès
As the Count of Monte Cristo, he orchestrates the visit to the house at Auteuil, pressing Bertuccio to reveal his secret.
- Bertuccio
The steward is deeply agitated and fearful, confessing that he committed an assassination in the house at Auteuil as an act of vengeance against Villefort.
- Gérard de Villefort
Referred to as the former royal attorney at Nîmes, he is the target of Bertuccio's vengeance and is accused of being a villain.
- Marquise de Saint-Méran
Mentioned as the previous owner of the house at Auteuil and the father-in-law of Villefort.
- Abbé Busoni
Referenced as the confessor to whom Bertuccio previously related his crime, and who recommended Bertuccio to Monte Cristo.
Key passages
“I have related it but once, and that was to the Abbé Busoni. Such things are only related under the seal of confession.”
Bertuccio says he has only told his story once before, to Abbé Busoni, because it is a secret meant for confession.
Highlights the gravity and secrecy of Bertuccio's past crime.
“It was simply vengeance—nothing else.”
Bertuccio insists his act was purely an act of revenge.
Clarifies Bertuccio's motive for the assassination.
“This is not chance, for chance, in this case, is too much like Providence.”
Bertuccio believes the coincidence of Monte Cristo owning the house is not random but seems like divine intervention.
Reflects the theme of fate and providence.